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University Diploma in Concrete Studies

Developed in partnership with the Concrete Society and industry experts, this programme enables you to acquire the underpinning knowledge in relation to concrete technology in order to progress your career.

Course details

Course description

This programme has been developed in partnership with the Concrete Society and industry experts.

It's ideal for graduates, supervisors, operational managers, consultants and suppliers to the sector who need to acquire the underpinning knowledge in relation to concrete technology.

It's a flexible and cost effective way to study which fits around your work commitments.

The minerals sector, which includes quarrying, surface mining, concrete, cement and related manufacturing industries, is vital to the world economy. In the UK it's worth over £9 billion each year and employs some 70,000 people in a variety of roles (Mineral Products Association, 2012). Jobs exist at many concrete manufacturing sites across the country, as well as marine wharves, mineral extraction sites and aggregate recycling operations.

If you're already employed in the concrete industry, or have an interest in it, this programme will enable you to gain an internationally recognised academic qualification focused on management and supervisory roles. It reflects UK and EU standards and best practice, and will help you if you're a manager and wish to acquire professional status.

The Concrete Society

Formed in 1966, The Concrete Society is a member based body with no affiliation to trade or corporate organisations and is proud to be recognised as independent. The Society has built on its technical base to become a leading provider of information serving the needs of clients, architects, engineers, specifiers, suppliers, contractors and users of concrete, with emphasis on quality, impartiality and competitiveness.

The Society works through the cooperation of its members who come from all sectors of the industry to exchange information and experience and to enhance the performance, productivity and quality of concrete as a construction medium. Supported by the technical and administrative staff of The Society, our members collaborate to produce and disseminate state-of-the-art reports, recommendations and practical guidance. It is also held in high regard for its magazine “CONCRETE” which is available in either printed or digital format.

The Society offers a range of training events and best practice seminars. These are regularly run at our head office but are also offered as in-house events that can be tailored to a company’s specific requirements.

With a network of Concrete Society Regional committees it has a comprehensive range of CPD, technical and social events throughout the UK. As well as the technical benefits, these events provide an ideal forum for members to widen connections in the different sectors of the concrete industry enabling them to build up valuable business and social contacts. National events such as the prestigious Concrete Society Awards and other exhibitions are also well received as part of the construction industry calendar.

A Student member of The Concrete Society is entitled to a range of products and services, and it’s free.

Further information about The Concrete Society can be obtained at the following address and website:

Study tour

You can choose to join a five day study tour of sites relevant to the minerals industry so you can widen your knowledge and experience.

Structure, certificates and assessment

Compulsory modules

You'll study these compulsory modules on the programme:

Concrete Constituents and Types (20 credits)This module develops your ability to evaluate the influence of different aggregates, cementitious materials and admixtures on the characteristics of fresh and hardened concrete. You'll get a deeper understanding of the properties of concretes and cementitious mortars used for specialist end uses - including self-compacting, precast and fibre reinforced concrete; and mortars for masonry, render and screed. The module also provides a greater awareness of the health, safety and environmental aspects of producing and using concrete.

Concrete in Construction (20 credits)In this module you'll develop a deeper understanding of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, including its use in concrete slabs, floors and external paving. The particular characteristics of fresh concrete required for specialist end uses such as pumped, sprayed, foamed and underwater concrete will also be studied. The module will also develop your understanding of the influence of formwork on the surface finish of hardened concrete.

Durable Concrete Structures (20 credits)This module will give you a deeper understanding of the factors that influence the long term durability of concrete used in structures. You will look at the methods used to investigate and analyse the causes and extent of deterioration in a concrete structure as well as learning about the methods used to repair and protect reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures.

Optional modules

The following modules are optional and can be added to your studies for an additional fee:

Concrete Technology (20 credits)This module aims to provide you with an understanding of fresh and hardened concrete, its constituents, microstructure and properties, and of its interaction with its exposed environment in order to produce concrete that is fit for purpose and durable using conventional and new materials. The module looks at concrete in the context of its sustainable use in durable structures and covers its environmental impact in terms of the appropriate use of prime resources for constituent materials, and energy consumption covering current and future alternatives to lower this impact. Throughout this module you'll cover cementitious materials including cement replacing materials; natural and recycled aggregates; admixtures; properties of fresh, hardening and hardened concrete for durable structures; standards, specifications and conformity control; production and placing.

Business Management (20 credits)This module develops the business and financial knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the effective management of a mineral extraction site, a road construction site or a related manufacturing facility. This includes an understanding of the human implications of running a successful business. The module also cultivates an appreciation of the importance of achieving the highest standards of performance in health, safety and the environment, especially in the recognition of the importance of people in developing a positive health and a safety culture.

How you'll learn

You'll study online wherever you have access to the internet. You can also choose to attend a number of optional weekend tutorials each year at Derby in the UK. These are not compulsory and will not affect your studying if you don't attend. Your learning is also supplemented through online video and guest lecture presentations.

Your programme materials are supplied in an interactive electronic format and are released in stages throughout the year. You'll have full online access to our library and other learning resources.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through a combination of exams and assessment.

Entry requirements

If you have experience in the concrete industry, as well as positive support from your employer, we will welcome your application.

Fees and funding

UK/EU students

£2,575

International students

£3,165

Optional modules

UK/EU students £910

International students £1,130

*These fees apply if you’re starting this course between September 2018 and August 2019. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change.